Ornament of Stainless Light - Praise

“The first published work of the new Library of Tibetan Classics series, initiated and coordinated by renowned translator Geshe Thupten Jinpa, is Ornament of Stainless Light by Khedrup Norsang Gyatso (d. 1513), a commentary on the Kālacakra root text, the Vimalaprabha. His Holiness the Dalai Lama himself selected this text for inclusion in the Library of Tibetan Classics series. Gavin Kilty's translation is scholarly and practical, his lucid introduction demonstrating his excellent grasp of the subject matter. Whether you are a Kālacakra practitioner, a student of Tibetan Buddhism, or interested in science from a new angle, this book is worthy of study.”—Mandala

“An excellent introduction to the more advanced forms of Indian-Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism in general. Kilty's translation is accurate and faithful to the original. Being a translation rather than an interpretation, the book presupposes that the reader has a solid foundation in basic Buddhism and the Mahayana, and some acquaintance with the Vajrayana. This book is required reading for advanced students of Indian and Tibetan Buddhism; it belongs in any library seeking thorough coverage of the Buddhist tradition.”—John Newman, New College of Florida

“When the Dalai Lama performed the Kālacakra initation for a crowd of 20,000 at Madison Square Garden in 1991, a page was turned in the history of tantra. It was perhaps because of the popularity of this event and the success of others like it that when he was asked to select a text for the inaugural volume of an important new series, the Dalai Lama chose a commentary on the Kālacakra tantra. According to series editor Thupten Jinpa, the Library of Tibetan Classics will total thirty volumes and offer a representative sampling of Tibet's vast literary legacy, from Buddhist philosophy to medical and historical works. The inaugural volume, Ornament of Stainless Light, is an important resource for anyone who has attended or will attend one of the many public performances of the Kalachakra initiation around the world.”—Buddhadharma

“A radiant gem drawn from the vast ocean of Tibetan literature on the Kālacakra tantra. It provides a clear, comprehensive summary of the basic structure and essential features of this important system of mysticism. Also, Khedrup Norsang Gyatso's interpretations of controversial issues in the Kālacakra contribute to our understanding of the evolution of Tibetan theories of mysticism. Gavin Kilty's faithful translation makes this work easily accessible—it is a fitting inaugural volume for The Library of Tibetan Classics.”—John Newman, MacArthur Professor of Asian Religions, New College of Florida